Howard Theatre

The Howard Theater opened its doors in the early fall of 1910 in a primarily African-American area of Washington, near Howard University. During the mid 1920's, it was sold to Abe Lichtman, who owned other theaters that catered to the African American community. The Howard Theatre was ranked as the "largest colored theater in the World." In the early years, the Howard Theater featured live theater, musicals, and local talent shows.

During the 1960's due to desegregation and the 1968 riots, the Howard's attendance began to decline, and the neighborhood around the theater began to grow more and more undesirable. The theater was shuttered in 1970 and 3 years later, the Howard Theater Foundation was formed and funds were raised to refurbish the badly ageing theater.

For many years the Howard Theater sat vacant. Currently, Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc is raising funds to renovate the structure.

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The students of A.B.L.E. were asked: How would you revitalize the Howard Theater?

I Don't Mind You Giving Me 5 Million Dollars!

I would create it into a Performance Arts after school program for students and adults. I would have different types of classes and programs students could participate in. Inside will be an auditorium for all performances that will be shown year-round, as well as, a dance and recording studio. Kids will have a choice of taking dance classes and maybe even singing their hearts out. In these classes we would have many different genres to choose from, because we all know that everyone has their own unique and creative style and we understand that everyone likes to express themselves differently. The kids will be taught writing composition and in dance they will learn hip hop, ballet, tap, tango, and maybe even some ballroom dancing.